Oblique: Paul Smith Dominoes Edition

Two mega studios, Graphical House and Derek Welsh Studio, collaborated with Oblique to develop a special edition of Paul Smith dominos. The dominoes are handcrafted in walnut using 45 processes, 8,400 hand rilled holes all nicely packed in a navy and pink box with a foil print finish. Each domino is crafted to perfection - just like its packaging.

Federal 52, Part II

Jackson Robison has done it again with his new bicycle playing card design inspired by US bank notes and current - Federal 52 Part II. Robinson's first deck, Federal 52 was first featured in 2012 as a Kickstarter project. Now he is back with stronger illustrations and with another Kickstarter project to launch Federal 52, Part II, including a Limited Reserve Deck. Read on Robinson's journey:

"When I first embarked on this journey, I already had a passion for currency. But as over 250+ hours passed designing the Federal 52 and the Gold Certificate, My love and passion for the art form of engraving grew into something that consumed my life. The more bank notes I found and referenced the deeper the ocean of inspiration became. I soon realized that I had only seen the tip of the ice berg that IS currency and more importantly the art of engraving and printing.

By the time I had arrived at designing the Silver Certificate & Reserve Note decks, I had countless hours under my belt. Hours that were spent honing my technique and polishing the concept as a whole. Even now as I am designing an entirely new deck, I am daily reminded of how incredible the art form of currency is and how much I've missed. I wasn't taught this stuff in art school. The museum guide didn't point this out on the way to see some painting masterpiece. This art was right in front of my face. It was in my pocket. I used it to pay my way into the city pool to do cannon balls when I was a kid."

Type Deck

Designer Chris Cavill recently moved to Vancouver, Canada and started working on a concept project to bring unique playing cards to the masses. Featuring exquisite type, the Type Deck lives up to its name. Bold type illustrations with a limited color palette unite this design motif.

The Type Deck will be produced on a limited edition run. Each deck will be a true collector's item. Please help back this project and get your own pack by supporting his Kickstarter campaign.

Paragon's Holiday Gift: Elemental Deck of Cards

For the 2012 Paragon Annual Holiday Mailer, Paragon opted to design a collectible, entirely custom deck of playing cards.

"The goal was to incorporate the symbolism and philosophies surrounding the Classical Greek Elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water and once we began digging into the rich history of these concepts, we decided the only way to do it right was to allow each traditional kingdom to represent the corresponding elements. Earth took Diamonds, Air Clubs, Hearts became Fire and Spades Water.

Traditional icons were incorporated into the face cards as well as new embellishments like Latin text and the complex visual language of the elements. The backs of the cards featured a graphic pattern created using our logo mark. Both the deck and custom box were printed on Shine paper appropriate for the Holiday Season."

J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot + Theory 11: Mystery Box

J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot has collaborated with Theory 11 to bring to you a limited edition "Mystery Box."

In 2007, JJ Abrams spoke at TED about a mysterious box he received as a child from his grandfather. 30 years later, Abrams never opened that box, and it’s served as a persistent reminder of the power of mystery, intrigue, and wonder. Inspired by that story, and in the spirit of sharing that feeling of wonder, theory11 created a new Mystery Box in collaboration with JJ and his production company, Bad Robot.

The Mystery Box is a handcrafted lockbox made of 100-year-old reclaimed wood. Each box is locked with an alphanumeric combination, and the lid is iron-branded with the Mystery Box emblem. Each lockbox includes 12 Mystery Box Playing Cards designed by JJ Abrams, and a letterpressed note from Abrams in a kraft paper envelope stamped with a black wax seal. Of course, without giving too much away, there are lots of surprises waiting inside.

"Maybe there are times when mystery is more important than knowledge."